Manchester City are now in pole position to complete a deal for Fabregas, particularly with Yaya Toure's Etihad Stadium future unclear.

Replacing Toure with Fabregas could help City meet financial fair play rules.

City were fined £49m and limited to a 21-man Champions League squad by UEFA after overspending, but Fabregas' £100,000-a-week wages are a significantly lower than Ivory Coast star Toure's £220,000-a-week pay check, and could help the Abu Dhabi-funded club meet their financial targets.

Chelsea could also make a move as they seek to replace the departing Frank Lampard, while Manchester United may renew their interest in the player they made two failed bids for last summer.